Casablanca

Casablanca is one of the seminal screenplays of all time. The film, which premiered in 1942, depicts the moral struggles of a man named Rick, played by American actor Humphrey Bogart. Rick owns a café in Casablanca where Nazi soldiers and upscale French and local officials hobnob. Although he despises the Nazi agenda, Rick has decided to play the neutral arbitrator of his shop.

One day, Rick's past love, Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman, walks into his bar. Their epic romance is a backdrop for a larger war story. Ultimately, Ilsa relies on Rick's help to rescue her current husband, a hero by the name of Victor Laszlo. Rick eventually risks himself to help Ilsa and Laszlo and, in doing so, redeems his lonely and cynical soul.

Although the Casablanca screenplay was a collaborative effort, the story weaves seamlessly. Unlike more literal films of the time, Casablanca explores a wide range of subtle emotions and sophisticated subplots. It is also interesting as an historical artifact, since it was produced and premiered during the heart of the World War II conflict.

The fact that Casablanca endures as a masterpiece today, more than 60 years later, reflects well on the story. Everyone can sympathize with Rick's dilemma of whether or not to hand over the all-important letters of transit to help Ilsa and her husband escape Casablanca. Original movie posters from the film can sell at auction for thousands of dollars. Other movie memorabilia relating to Casablanca and its stars is also available.